Binay to fly to Davao, Compostela Valley to aid ‘Pablo’ victims

Residents walk amongst their destroyed houses after Typhoon Pablo hit Compostela town, Compostela Valley province, in southern island of Mindanao on December 4, 2012. AFP/KARLOS MANLUPIG

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay will fly to Davao and Compostela Valley on Thursday to aid victims of Typhoon “Pablo” (international name Bopha).

In a statement, Binay noted that his office would be distributing goods in Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur and Compostela Valley, three of the worst-hit areas ravaged by the typhoon.

Latest reports have noted that the typhoon had claimed the lives of more than 70 people, and caused several power outages and communication disruptions when it battered Visayas and Mindanao on Tuesday.

Binay also said the National Housing Authority (NHA) would provide materials for the repair of damaged houses, while the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig) would provide insurance and calamity loans to its members.

Meanwhile, the Canadian government had also vowed support for the Philippine victims, saying that the country was “ready to provide assistance if requested.”

“On behalf of all Canadians, we offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to those who have lost loved ones or have been otherwise affected by Typhoon Bopha,” Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and Minister of State for Foreign (Americas and Consular Affairs) Diane Ablonczy said in a statement issued Wednesday.
“We stand with the people of the Philippines during this difficult time and remain ready to provide assistance if requested,” the officials said.